Ulysses by James Joyce

“Ulysses” by James Joyce is a landmark modernist novel set in Dublin, unfolding over the course of a single day, June 16, 1904. The story follows three central characters—Leopold Bloom, Stephen Dedalus, and Molly Bloom—offering a deep exploration of their thoughts, experiences, and relationships. Themes of identity, the intricacies of daily life, and the complexity of human consciousness are interwoven throughout the narrative.

The novel opens with Buck Mulligan, a spirited and irreverent figure, sharing a Martello tower with the introspective Stephen Dedalus. As Mulligan humorously prepares for the day, Stephen reflects on his strained emotions and the lingering guilt over his mother’s death. This beginning introduces the novel’s intricate character dynamics and its signature stream-of-consciousness style, setting the stage for a profound and unconventional journey through the human psyche.